Professional Experience

Darrell is a partner of Walter & Haverfield who was recognized in the 2007 through 2010 editions of Inside Business Magazine as one of Northeast Ohio's "leading lawyers." His practice encompasses complex civil litigation, including employment matters, and white collar criminal defense litigation in state and federal courts. Prior to joining the firm, Darrell practiced in New Orleans, Louisiana where he served as a Fellow in the nationally-recognized Institute of Politics. He also served as a judicial clerk to Judge Steven R. Plotkin of the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal.

 

Darrell regularly represents employers and employees in litigation over restrictive employment covenants and confidentiality agreements, including obtaining and opposing injunctive relief. He also has significant experience in the law of trade secrets, including trying several such cases to jury verdict in state and federal court. He also counsels employers on how to structure restrictive covenants to avoid having them judicially narrowed or invalidated.

Areas of Emphasis

Employment and Labor

Darrell regularly represents employers and employees in litigation over restrictive employment covenants and confidentiality agreements, including obtaining and opposing injunctive relief. He also has significant experience in the law of trade secrets, including trying several such cases to jury verdict in state and federal court. He also counsels employers on how to structure restrictive covenants to avoid having them judicially narrowed or invalidated.

Presentations

  • "Ethics Review for In-House Counsel and Compliance Professionals," CMBA's Banking and Financial Services Section "Compliance 2010" CLE, December 14, 2010
  • "2010 Walter & Haverfield LLP Labor and Employment Law Seminar," "Discovery Expectations," Presentation, Holiday Inn in Independence, September 30, 2010
  • "Understanding Electronic Discovery for the Aviation Professional" for the Ohio Aviation Association

  • "Find It Fast And Free On The Internet" for National Business Institute

  • "The Law of the Internet in Ohio" for National Business Institute

  • "Internet Basics for the Ohio Attorney" for National Business Institute

  • "Advanced Issues in Legal Technology for the Ohio Paralegal" for National Business Institute

  • "Effective Legal Writing for Paralegals in Ohio" for National Business Institute

  • "Excuse Me, But Where Can I Get My License to Practice Law in Cyberspace?" for the American Bar Association

Professional & Community Associations

  • Graduate of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy's 2000 National Session
  • Licensed soccer referee (youth through adult amateur), having refereed over 1000 games in his career
  • Member, Board of Directors, Skypark, Inc., a privately-owned, public-use airport in Wadsworth, Ohio (2007-present)
  • Secretary, Skypark Airport Condominium Association (2009-present)
  • Secretary, Ohio Regional Business Aviation Association (2010-present)
  • Vice President, Criminal Law Section, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association (2009-present)
  • Member (2006-present) and Trial counsel (2000-2006), Certified Grievance Committee, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
  • Vice President, Northern Ohio Collegiate Soccer Officials Association (2005-present)
  • Secretary, Ohio North State Referee Committee, Inc. (2003-present)
  • Volunteer Pilot, Angel Flight East, Central, and Mid-Atlantic (2005-present)

Education

Tulane University School of Law, J.D. (magna cum laude), 1994
University of South Florida, M.A., 1991; B.A., 1989

Licensed to Practice

  • Ohio & Louisiana
  • U.S. Third, Fifth, and Sixth Circuit Courts of Appeal
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle & Western Districts of Louisiana
  • U.S. District and Bankruptcy Courts, Eastern District of Michigan U.S. District and Bankruptcy Courts, Northern & Southern Districts of Ohio

Awards & Recognitions

May 2010 - Named to the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association's Board of Trustees.

2010-2012 - Selected for inclusion in Ohio Super Lawyers magazine. Areas of practice: Business Litigation: Criminal Defense: White Collar; Aviation Law.

2008 - present - Selected for inclusion in Inside Business magazine's listing of Northeast Ohio's "Leading Lawyers," an honor bestowed upon only one percent of the region's practicing attorneys - Antitrust

January 2008 - Selected as a 2008 Fellow of the Ohio State Bar Foundation.

Articles by Darrell A. Clay

March 2011 - "Resuscitating a dying industry: The General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994," Airplanista magazine

February 2011 - "Can a Leaseback Work for You?," Airplanista magazine

December 15, 2010 - "Is Your Facebook Status a Protected Activity Under Federal Labor Law?," TLNT.com

April 27-May 3 2009 - Crain's Cleveland Business; Darrell commented on the prevalence of industrial espionage activities in Northeast Ohio in the article, "An Eye on Spying."



September 2008 – "A Primer On Criminal Rule 17 (c) Subpoenas Seeking Pretrial Production", was published in the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal's quarterly feature on criminal law topics.

November 2007 – The Cleveland Bar Journal published Darrell's article entitled "Mandatory Restitution in Federal Criminal Prosecutions"

January 2007 – Client Alert on Business Litigation: Businesses Take Note: New Federal Court Electronic Discovery Rules Affect You Too

August 2006 – Client Briefing on Employment Law: Employers may bring civil claims against former employees for computer fraud and abuse.

May 2006 – Internet Basics for the Ohio Attorney

January 2001 – Client Briefing: eTech Alert - Viewing Restricted Web Site Could Cost Employer $$$

Summer 1998 – PERSPECTIVE: On Employment Law: Supreme Court Sanctions Same-Sex Harassment Suits

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